Word
unproven
Phoneticsun·proven
US/ənˈpɹuvən/
UK/ʌnpɹˈuːvən/
Definition
adj. not having been shown to be true or correct yet. You use this to describe a theory or a medicine that has not been tested enough to be certain.
adj. not having been established as true or valid through evidence or testing. Often used to describe scientific hypotheses or medical treatments that lack sufficient empirical support.
Examples
“The new medicine is still unproven.”
“Scientists are testing the theory, but it remains unproven until more data is collected.”
“While the initial results were promising, the treatment remains unproven and is currently only available to patients participating in a controlled clinical trial.”
Examples
simple
“The new medicine is still unproven.”
contextual
“Scientists are testing the theory, but it remains unproven until more data is collected.”
complex
“While the initial results were promising, the treatment remains unproven and is currently only available to patients participating in a controlled clinical trial.”
Real-World Examples
“The amended law was an attempt by state Republicans to crack down on unproven claims of voting by noncitizens.” “But because grounding's health benefits are unproven, you should never use it in place of medical treatment.” “Priya Tew comments: "Some interesting health claims, it is important to note these are unproven currently and there are side effects.” Etymology
From un- + proven.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unproven